Cameron County to Celebrate Christmas with a Night Parade

 Cameron County to Celebrate Christmas with a Night Parade 

Several changes coming to Christmas in the Wilds next month. The biggest change is switching the date to the first weekend of December instead of the second weekend. Cameron County Chamber of Commerce executive director Tina Solak says Covid-19 restrictions have forced some of the changes, and others were suggestions coming from the public. 

For years the chamber has faced questioning on why hold a parade and other events on the final day of firearm deer season. With the PA Game Commission adding Sunday hunting it gives those taking to the woods three full weekends to come home with a deer. The chamber board noted this gave the opportunity to take the middle weekend to celebrate Christmas in the small county. 

Covid-19 restrictions canceled the Emporium Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary craft show and Breakfast with Santa. The fireworks annual Christmas House Tour has also been canceled and Santa has decided not to bring his reindeer to the community to meet restrictions placed by the PA Department of Health. 

Solak says thinking outside of the box has created other opportunities to celebrate Christmas in the Wilds. Sara Jane’s will be Santa’s headquarters. The jolly elf will meet visitors of all ages beginning Saturday November 28 during Shop Small. Several activities are planned throughout the month of December including an adult mask themed party. 

The weekend of December 4 & 5 kicks off with a night parade. Dozens of families, businesses and organizations are decorating lighted floats for the event. The route has been approved by PennDOT. Floats will leave the former Fourth Street School and progress on Route 120 to Woodland Avenue. Watchers are encouraged to follow Santa back to the center of the business district for the lighting of the Christmas tree. 

The Emporium Volunteer Fire Department fire hall will not sit empty. Instead the hall will be used for a basket raffle running Friday December 4 & 5. The raffle replaces the Christmas Community Dance which raises funds for a family in the community. 

Vendors will line the Emporium business district Saturday December 5. Visitors are encouraged to take a trip throughout the county voting for the best decked out house starting that night. 

Officials at the chamber continue to thank the community for its diligence in keeping Covid-19 positive cases at a minimum by using common sense. That approach has allowed the community to continue to enjoy numerous events.